ROYSTON Town manager Paul Attfield has described how this summer will be ‘the busiest and biggest’ since he joined the club.

The Crows fell just short of making the play-offs in the Southern League Central Division, and while obviously being disappointed, Attfield believes his team have achieved above and beyond what was expected.

“Looking back to the start of the season, it was exciting for all of us, going into the unknown,” said Attfield.

“The aim was to be as competitive as we could be in the division, and to achieve a comfortable position come the end of the season and be clear of the relegation places.

“It transpires we were in the mix for the play-offs right until the last game, which exceeded all expectation.

“It was a real roller coaster season, and all the lads should be proud and take huge credit for the way they have performed this season.”

A 2-2 draw away at AFC Hayes put paid to Royston’s play-off challenge in the final game, and boss Attfield is already pressing ahead with plans for next season.

“I will willingly quote that I don’t think we are ready to go up now; we have only three players who are tried and tested at a higher level,” added Attfield.

“This year was about seeing which players can compete against the best sides in the division, and I have seen that now.

“This will be the busiest and biggest summer since I joined the club, there are some big decisions to make.

“We have got a number of targets who we have already spoken too, but it would be unfair to name these until everything has been resolved.”

Royston have one final game this season - their Hinchingbrooke Cup final against Yaxley on Monday night at the home of Huntingdon Town.

Attfield added: “It will be a very difficult game in the cup as we haven’t played football for two weeks now.

“It will be a mixed squad, but one that is fully capable of going out there and winning the cup.”